Attorney Accused of Smuggling Heroin, Cell Phone to Gang Members in Jail

(Phoenix, Ariz. – October 1, 2008) Attorney General Terry Goddard announced that Jason John Keller, 34, of Tempe, was charged today with one count of conspiracy to commit promoting prison contraband, three counts of promoting prison contraband and three counts of assisting a criminal street gang. Keller is a defense attorney practicing in Arizona.

According to court documents, Keller, on at least three separate occasions this year, allegedly smuggled heroin, a cell phone and cell phone charger into the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail. Keller allegedly provided the smuggled items to inmates, some of whom are members of a violent criminal street gang. At least one of the inmates is known to be Keller’s client.

Keller was charged by direct complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court earlier today. A preliminary hearing on the case will occur within 10 days.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Phoenix Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Frank Collins is handling this case.

A copy of the charging document is available at the Attorney General’s Web site, www.azag.gov . For additional information, contact Anne Hilby at (602) 542-8019.